'Living Single' Drama: Kyle Barker's Exit & 'Friends' Rivalry!

Ever wondered why some of your favorite shows disappear from the screen seemingly before their time? Sometimes, the drama happens behind the scenes, and it's far more compelling than what airs on television. The story of "Living Single" is a testament to that.

The sitcom "Living Single," created by Yvette Denise Lee, graced the Fox network for five seasons, from August 22, 1993, to January 1, 1998. The show, celebrated for depicting the lives of six New York City friends navigating personal and professional experiences in a Brooklyn brownstone, left an indelible mark on television. However, behind the laughter and camaraderie, tensions were brewing, particularly concerning the treatment the show received compared to its contemporaries, most notably "Friends." These tensions ultimately led to significant changes, including the departure of one of its main stars, T.C. Carson, known for his role as Kyle Barker. His exit wasn't just a creative decision; it was allegedly fueled by a clash with Warner Bros. over perceived favoritism towards "Friends."

Carson's departure from "Living Single" remains a point of contention and discussion among fans. In the show's second season, Kyle Barker mysteriously fled to London. While the storyline provided a temporary explanation, the actor's absence was felt deeply. Many viewers felt that despite not everyone enjoying his singing, Kyle Barker was simply too important to the show to just disappear. Carson himself has been vocal about the reasons behind his exit, suggesting it was far from amicable. He alleged that he was fired after accusing Warner Bros. of neglecting "Living Single" in favor of "Friends."

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The narrative Carson presents paints a picture of a show struggling for recognition and resources. He indicated that the cast and crew felt they were constantly fighting for respect that the producers weren't willing to give. According to Carson, the situation was stark: "We were getting less than all around." He contrasted this with the treatment afforded to "Friends," stating, "And then they created Friends and gave them everything." He pointed out the shared parentage of both shows, noting, "Both shows were Warner Bros." This alleged disparity fueled resentment and a sense of being undervalued.

The tension between "Living Single" and "Friends" wasn't merely perceived; it became a tangible reality for viewers. Fox, in a move that many saw as a deliberate attempt to undermine "Living Single," shifted the show from its coveted Sunday night slot to Thursday, directly competing with "Friends" on NBC. This scheduling decision forced viewers to choose between the two sitcoms, creating a divide and ultimately contributing to the perception that "Living Single" was not being given the same level of support as its counterpart. The move to Thursday nights, directly against "Friends," felt like a deliberate act to diminish "Living Single"'s success.

Adding fuel to the fire, Warren Littlefield, then president of NBC, reportedly admitted that "Living Single" was his favorite series. The irony of this statement was not lost on anyone, particularly given that NBC was simultaneously promoting and investing heavily in "Friends." One year after "Living Single" aired, Littlefield's network produced "Friends". The situation escalated when "Living Single" was moved to the exact same time slot as "Friends," effectively setting the two shows against each other in a battle for viewership.

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The disparity extended beyond scheduling. Merchandise for "Living Single" was conspicuously absent, while "Friends" enjoyed a plethora of promotional items and tie-ins. "Living Single" simply didn't receive the same support as "Friends," or even other successful NBC shows like "Will & Grace," "The Simpsons," or "Frasier." Some believe that if "Living Single" had received the same sponsor funding and backing as these other shows, it would have enjoyed a longer run and a more satisfying conclusion for its dedicated fanbase. The way the show ended was considered by many to be a "rip and insult" to the viewers who had remained loyal throughout its run.

The difference in production budgets further illustrates the divide. The final season of "Friends" boasted a staggering $10 million per episode, according to NBC News. Each of the six main cast members reportedly received a significant portion of this budget. While precise figures for "Living Single"'s budget are harder to come by, it's widely understood that the show operated with considerably fewer resources.

Adding to the challenges, Fox, in 1993, was not yet considered a full broadcast network on par with ABC, NBC, and CBS. Fox wasn't available in many markets at the time, which limited the show's potential reach. Despite these hurdles, "Living Single" managed to capture a significant audience and address themes that resonated with many viewers, particularly within the African American community. The show premiered without much hype, but quickly gained a loyal following based on its relatable characters and storylines. "Living Single" was one of the first shows to document successful friendships and careers of young African Americans. It aired for five seasons on Fox and remains a beloved series for many viewers.

The cultural impact of "Living Single" remains significant, nearly three decades after its premiere. The show's influence can be seen in subsequent sitcoms and its themes of friendship, independence, and career aspirations continue to resonate with audiences. However, the behind-the-scenes drama and the perceived lack of support from Warner Bros. cast a shadow over the show's legacy, prompting questions about fairness and representation in the television industry.

T.C. Carson's career didn't end with his departure from "Living Single." In the years that followed, he has remained consistently employed in the entertainment industry. He has lent his voice to numerous projects, including "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "Clifford the Big Red Dog," and the "God of War" franchise, where he voices the character Kratos. In "God of War" he voiced Kratos and did voiceover work in star wars. This speaks to his versatility and enduring talent.

Reflecting on his time on "Living Single," Carson has been candid about the personal challenges he faced during that period. He revealed that he was either divorced or about to be divorced, adding another layer of complexity to his experience on the show. "My life at that moment was not what you would expect," he admitted. This personal turmoil may have contributed to his decision to leave the show when he felt the work environment had become untenable. "I left 'Living Single' a few episodes shy of completing the full season because the work, the process, and everything else didnt feel the same for me," Carson explained.

The cancellation of "Living Single" and "In Living Color" sparked conversations about the network's priorities and its treatment of shows with predominantly Black casts. Another instance of that treatment of shows and movies that are given is that it makes people not watch them. In the early 1990s, Fox was still a relatively young network and did not have the capital to invest in the show's high production values, which increased the costs of producing "In Living Color". The main reason why "In Living Color" got cancelled was due to budget constraints.

The parallels between "Living Single" and "Friends" have not gone unnoticed, with many viewers pointing out the similarities in their premises. One person tweeted, "Its crazy that people dont know Friends was a direct copy of Living Single, like the exact same show concept," echoing the sentiment that "Friends" borrowed heavily from "Living Single"'s formula of "6 adult friends living together". But due to budget constraints and "unsaid things" "Living Single" died quietly, way quicker than friends.

On a recent episode of Shadow and Acts Facebook Live Q&A series, "Locked Down With ____," actress and director Kim Fields addressed the rumors surrounding a possible "Living Single" reboot. While a reboot has been rumored for a while, nothing has been confirmed.

In conclusion, the story of "Living Single" is a complex one, filled with both success and frustration. While the show achieved significant cultural impact and resonated with a dedicated audience, it also faced challenges in terms of network support and perceived favoritism towards other shows. T.C. Carson's departure and his allegations against Warner Bros. highlight the behind-the-scenes struggles that can affect a show's trajectory. "Carson is best known for his role as kyle barker on the fox sitcom living single. But did you know the actor was fired from the show?". In an interview with comedy hype, carson revealed the whole story about "living single" show.